My Baker’s Dozen Mix. (Or could have been called Songs I Wish I Had Written!)
Matthew Sweet - “The Ocean In-Between” -- Kimi Ga Suki *Raifu
This gem of an album is filled with uber-melodic indie-style pop rock by Sweet, a huge influence on my own music. This particular song contains one his best melodies and all sorts of interesting layered guitars, including a euphoric solo by Richard Lloyd of Television
Fastball - “Drifting Away” -- Keep Your Wig On
One of many great songs by the largely overlooked Fastball from this criminally underappreciated album. Tony Scalzo and Miles Zuniga craft the kind of smart, catchy and inventive pop songs that I’d like to write. What better compliment could I give them?
Joan Osbourne - “Righteous Love” -- Righteous Love
Wrapped around a classic 50’s style progression, this number shows off her excellent Joplin-esque rasp. This song, and her performance here, are spot on.
The Beatles - “I’ve Got A Feeling” -- Let It Be… Naked
The Beatles have more well-known songs, but this is a great rock track with a catchy guitar riff and powerful vocal performance from McCartney. It’s also one of the last great examples of the classic interplay between Paul and John.
Driveblind - “Leave Home” -- Driveblind
Well-written, catchy mid tempo number from this Scottish sextet. The singer, Terry McDermott, has a soaring and soothing voice. They are modern sounding, but their influences, intentional or not, are steeped in classic rock. Good stuff.
Phantom Planet - “Always On My Mind” -- The Guest
I really like the very upbeat, almost Jackson 5 / Motown vibe they achieve on this. It’s even got handclaps! A very well-written pop song. In fact, their whole debut album was very, very good.
Prince - “I Could Never Take The Place of Your Man” -- Sign O’ The Times
To me, this is just an awesome power-pop song dressed up in funky clothes. It’s got a great hook and I love his solo at the end. A lot of people don’t realize what an awesome guitarist Prince really is!
The Beach Boys - “God Only Knows” -- Pet Sounds
Undoubtedly one of the most gorgeous songs of all time. It’s impossible to not appreciate the beauty, emotion and depth of this song. An all-time classic and an all-time personal favorite.
Fleetwood Mac - “Go Your Own Way” -- Rumours
I really like Lindsay Buckingham. He’s not top of mind when you think of “guitar heroes,” but he’s got a very unique style in both his playing and his singing. Always loved this song.
Frank Sinatra - “Luck Be A Lady” -- The Reprise Collection
The oddball choice here? Perhaps. But just listen and you’ll hear how this inspired Nelson Riddle arrangement truly rocks behind Ol’ Blue Eyes’ masterful vocalizing. He’s in complete control here and the brass section hits harder than a wall of Marshalls. Sinatra was a rock star before there were rock stars.
Paul McCartney - “Vintage Clothes” -- Memory Almost Full
There are actually many moments from McCartney’s solo career that would sit nicely alongside his best work from the Fab days, including this one which could have been an outtake from Magical Mystery Tour. Lively piano, winding electric guitar lines, easy melodies and adventurous production elements. In my book, there’s still no one else who comes close to his effortless talent.
Shaw / Blades - “Down That Highway” -- My Hallucination
Yes, that guy from Styx and the guy from Night Ranger. This duo has a chemistry not unlike Lennon & McCartney or Simon & Garfunkel. Their little-known album was a huge influence on me and my Save Pluto cohort, Shawn. This polished blend of folk and rock with country tinges highlights their impressive West Coast harmonies and song writing skills.
Per Gessle - “Something Happened Today” -- Son of a Plumber
This song, from a 2006 solo album by the guy in the ABBA-esque duo, Roxette, is a musically simple, introspective acoustic number that has a quiet elegance to it. I admire songs like this that can say so much with such simplicity.
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Save Pluto's debut album, Age of Lowered Expectations is available now.
http://www.myspace.com/saveplutoonline
